Rock With Me(84)

“Sonofabitch,” Will whispers. “I would have done an interview for her.”

“She wouldn’t have asked you to, man. She loves you. All of you.” I look around the room, at Sam’s family. Jules has tears in her eyes, the men’s mouths are clenched, fists balled. “She would never put her family in any magazine, especially knowing how fiercely private you all are.”

If she had just confided in them sooner, they would have fought for her.

“So, they fired her because they said she wasn’t a team player for not being willing to sell out her family. She went to L.A. for a job interview.”

“She’s not moving to L.A.” Sam’s dad insists from his stance on the stairway. The parents have come out to listen.

“No, she’s not.” I confirm and shake my head. “She’s had interviews here in town this week.”

“Why didn’t she say anything?” Luke asks.

“This is Sam we’re talking about.” I remind him with a rueful laugh. “She’s stubborn as hell. She also didn’t want anyone to worry.” I turn back to Luke and get in his face. “So if you think I’d let a rag get their hands on something like that.” I point at the phone clenched tightly in Stacy’s fingers. “You’re sorely mistaken. The bitch will be fired. I know about Scott.” The last sentence is whispered, for Luke and Mark’s ears only.

His surprised gaze finds mine and then he sighs deeply. “Fuck.”

***

Samantha



What the f*ck just happened? I run out the front door toward Leo’s car and realize that not only didn’t I drive, but I don’t have any keys.

I can’t leave.

Damn it!

“Sam.” Natalie’s soft voice comes from behind me and I turn to find her standing on the porch, her green eyes worried and wet.

“Go back inside, Nat,” I just want to be alone. God, my heart hurts. He f*cking told them.

He told them after I told him not to. And what in the name of all that’s holy is up with that photo?

“Sam, talk to me.” Nat insists, and walks to me, her arms wrapped tightly around her middle.

“Nothing to say.” I plant my hands on my hips and stare off down the driveway.

“Spill it, Williams.” Nat’s voice is hard. I glance over at my gorgeous sister-in-law, so thankful for her.

“I told Leo not to tell the family about my job.” I finally admit.

“Why?” She asks with a frown. “We would have helped you.”

“That’s why.” I kick at a rock on the pavement. “Luke would have tried to fix it, or pay off my mortgage, or something stupid like that.”

“I’m pretty sure your mortgage will be paid for by tomorrow afternoon,” Nat agrees with a grin.

“He better not.” I warn her and then feel tears start to fall from my eyes, which pisses me off more. “Damn it.”

“You know, we all love you.” Nat smirks when I start to cry harder. The bitch. “You distance yourself from us, from everyone really, but we love you so much. Your brothers would do anything for you.”

“I know,” I whisper.

“I have a feeling Leo feels the same way.” I shake my head but she just laughs at me. “Sam, did you take a second to see his face when he saw that picture?”

No. I shake my head.

“It devastated him. He’ll make it right,” she states confidently and smiles gently.

“Why are you so nice to me?” I ask her. “I was horrible to you.”

“Because I know why you were, and because I love you for wanting to protect my husband.”

I shake my head and wipe the tears off my cheeks.

“Are you crying because of that photo?” She asks softly.

“No.” I shake my head and wipe my nose on the back of my hand. “I feel betrayed by that tattooed * in there, and embarrassed that everyone heard that I’d lost my job.”

Nat nods and then frowns. “You’ll get another job you know.”

I shrug. “They’re not knocking down my door.”

“You will. What does Leo say?”

“He’s moving up here to be near Meg more and the band is going to record the next album here.”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.” She narrows her eyes at me, making me laugh.